The Power of Ahimsa

Ahimsa: this word means so much to some people, and so little to others. To
me, Ahimsa is the most powerful word in the universe.

Although Ahimsa, a word derived from Sanskrit, means “nonviolence” when
directly translated, it has been interpreted to mean many things, including
“love”, “forgiveness”, “sacrifice”, “truth”, “the absence of enmity”, and
“strength.”

Prescribed by wise sages throughout history as the most effective way to
temper the bestial nature in man, taking the vow of Ahimsa means resolving to
refrain from causing any harm – either by thought, word or action – to any
living creature. Although one can never truly achieve Ahimsa due to the
limitations of the physical existence and our own human nature, ancient
teachings state that the pursuit of this divine ideal will be accompanied by the
gain of countless virtues.

I have, as I assume most others have, often contemplated the reason for
existence. Especially baffling to me is the reason for humans to exist. This one
species has managed to destroy and degrade the four billion year old Earth in
just a few thousand years. I do not mean to say that humans are bad by nature,
simply that we have an unfortunately large tendency for cruelty. And some of us
are less skilled at suppressing that tendency than others. The intense vastness
of this cruelty is so great, that when I try to think of something meaningful to
do with my life, I become lost trying to figure out how to bring to others the
peace I believe we all desperately need.

Through my internal quest, young as it is, I have come to the conclusion that
no matter what I may end up doing in my life, I must strive to grow as close to
Ahimsa as I can, so that I may attempt to spread to others love in its truest
form. I do not intend to imply that I have succeeded; I am so far from this goal
it often psychosomatically hurts my heart. I have done very few things correctly
in my life. However, I find comfort in believing that there is one thing that I
can do right; strive for Ahimsa, “nonviolence”, in all ways.

My lack of confidence in social situations impedes my success in spreading
love to my fellow humans. However, I have recently embraced Ahimsa through
veganism, and it has given me a hint of faith in myself. Although it may be hard
for some people to recognize the difference that is made by one person becoming
vegan, I feel like it is a step on my path to finding my place in the world. I
am blessed with the gift of life, and I have no right to deprive any other
living being on this planet of that same gift. I may not be able to do something
wonderful with my life, but at least I can try to cause as little harm as
possible.

As I proceed in my search to understand Ahimsa, being vegan helps me know
that at least I am doing one thing that I have no doubt is right. My personal
view of Ahimsa involves a future in which I cause as little harm as possible to
all those around me. Not giving my money to companies and industries that
disrespect creatures and nature is a big step in the right direction.

Giving up specific tastes and textures is a small price to pay for upholding
these values I hold so dear. Being vegan has helped me to find a sound soul,
which I know will help me to find Ahimsa. No one knows for sure why any of us
exist, but while we are given the gift of life, we should stop using our lives
to destroy the lives of others.

The purpose of my words is not to convince you of the conclusions I have thus
far come to in my life, for everyone must reach their own conclusions in order
to benefit from them. Instead, I hope to reach out to anyone who can, in any
abstract way, relate to my words and to try and share with them how being vegan
has brought me peace of mind and soul.

Over the years I have come to believe that there is no one reason for life.
In my opinion, those who think they have found the answer are the farthest from
it. I will never pretend to know the answer to this ancient question, but I will
always search for it, as unattainable as it may be. The final goal in searching
for the reason one exists is not a finite thing or well stated string of words,
it is the knowledge that you searched for it and that in searching you brought
meaning to your life.

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